Rongai Gate Hike to Simba Camp (2830m)
We will pick you up from your hotel in Arusha or Moshi and head to the Narumuru Gate near the Kenyan Border, the starting point for the Rongai route.
You'll hike through farmland, Rongai Forest, and heather moorland, encountering unique vegetation and possibly wildlife.
You'll reach your overnight campsite, Cave 1 (Simba Camp) at 2830 meters elevation. You will enjoy a delicious meal and share stories with your fellow travelers. You'll depart from your hotel in Arusha.
- Main Destination:
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
- Meals & Drinks:
Simba Camp to Third Cave (3900m)
You will begin the day with breakfast at Simba Camp and hike through the moorland. You will notice the growing altitude; follow the “pole, pole” pace and enjoy scenic views. You will stop for lunch at Second Cave and continue to Third Cave as the route splits. Then, you'll camp at an altitude of 3,900m at Third Cave, and prepare for a chilly night.
- Main Destination:
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
- Meals & Drinks:
Third Cave to Kibo Hut (4700m)
You will embark on a steep climb through the arid montane desert.
You'll reach Kibo Hut at an altitude of 4,700 meters, where you’ll camp overnight in preparation for the midnight summit push. You'll receive guidance from your guide on what to wear and how to approach the final leg of the summit.
You will wake just before midnight, enjoy a hot drink and snack, and commence the climb. Joining other climbers, you’ll ascend slowly, and faint lights dot the frosty night as everyone heads for the summit.
- Main Destination:
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
- Meals & Drinks:
Hike Kibo Hut to Summit, and down to Horombo Hut
You'll start your challenging climb to the summit from Kibo Hut between midnight and 2 am, reaching Gilman’s Point at 5700m/18,700ft. You will ascend further to Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point, and capture amazing views.
You will descend from the summit, have lunch and rest at Kibo Hut, and be prepared with warm layers and lights for the dark initial descent. The trek includes numerous switchbacks, so keep a steady “pole pole” pace.
You will proceed to the Horombo encampment, enjoying varied scenery during the gradual descent.
- Main Destination:
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
- Meals & Drinks:
Hike Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate, Drive to Moshi/Arusha
You will begin the day with breakfast and embark on a steady descent from Horombo Hut through the moorland.
You will keep descending as you follow a lush forest path to reach the National Park gate at Marangu.
Be prepared for potentially wet and muddy conditions at lower elevations. Gaiters and trekking poles are useful. You can switch to shorts and t-shirts, but keep rain gear and warmer clothing accessible.
A vehicle will meet you at Marangu gate, providing transportation back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha, which is approximately a 1-hour drive.
It’s time to celebrate your successful trek.
- Main Destination:
- Arusha (City)
- Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)
- Meals & Drinks: